Microchip Technology 24LC16BH-I/P

Overview

24LC16BH-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16-Kbit I²C-compatible serial EEPROM organized as eight 256 × 8-bit memory blocks, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V with 400 kHz max clock frequency, 5 ms max page write time, and hardware write-protect for the upper half-array (400h–7FFh). It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded controllers and sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the 24LC16BH-I/P datasheet, 24LC16BH-I/P pinout, 24LC16BH-I/P application, or 24LC16BH-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SOIC-8 package details, I²C timing constraints, write-protection behavior, and direct alternatives for industrial temperature-grade EEPROM replacement.

Technical Context

The 24LC16BH-I/P implements a two-wire I²C slave interface with Schmitt-trigger inputs and slope-controlled outputs to suppress noise and eliminate ground bounce. Its internal address pointer supports current-address, random, and sequential read modes, while the 16-byte page buffer enables efficient burst writes within physical page boundaries (000h–0FFh, 100h–1FFh, etc.).

Write protection is implemented via the WP pin: tied to VSS enables full-array access; tied to VCC locks addresses 400h–7FFh against writes while permitting reads. The device uses self-timed erase/write cycles and supports acknowledge polling to detect write completion without fixed delays.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24LC16BH-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic small outline (SOIC) package, 3.90 mm body width, with gull-wing leads and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or laser dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 24LC16BH-I/P, the 24AA16H-I/P extends low-voltage usability at cost of reduced max speed below 2.5V, while AT24C16C-PU offers faster timing but coarser write protection-both require validation of WP behavior and voltage-margin timing in target systems.

Availability

24LC16BH-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and medical diagnostic devices requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 24LC16BH-I/P includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 24LC16BH belongs to Microchip's 24XX16H family of I²C EEPROMs, engineered for robustness in industrial and automotive environments with emphasis on noise immunity, data retention, and hardware-based write security.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 24LC16BH-I/P?

The 24LC16BH-I/P requires a minimum VCC of 2.5V for guaranteed operation across its full temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Unlike the 24AA16H variant, it is not specified for operation below 2.5V; attempting to run the 24LC16BH-I/P at 1.8V or 2.2V may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or communication errors on the I²C bus.

How does the WP pin function on the 24LC16BH-I/P?

On the 24LC16BH-I/P, the WP pin provides hardware write protection: when tied to VCC, writes to memory addresses 400h–7FFh (upper half-array) are inhibited while reads remain enabled; when tied to VSS, full-array read/write access is permitted. This allows secure storage of calibration data or firmware parameters in the protected region without software overhead.

Can the 24LC16BH-I/P be used in place of the 24AA16H-I/P without circuit changes?

The 24LC16BH-I/P shares identical pinout, memory organization, and I²C protocol with the 24AA16H-I/P, but its 2.5V–5.5V VCC range excludes operation below 2.5V. If the host system operates reliably at ≥2.5V and does not require sub-2.5V functionality, the 24LC16BH-I/P is a drop-in replacement; otherwise, timing margins and power sequencing must be revalidated.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page write cycle for the 24LC16BH-I/P?

The 24LC16BH-I/P supports a 16-byte page write buffer, allowing up to 16 bytes to be loaded into the buffer and committed to memory upon receipt of a Stop condition. Writes crossing physical page boundaries (e.g., starting at address 0FFh) wrap within the same page rather than advancing to the next, so software must enforce alignment to 16-byte boundaries for predictable behavior.

Is the 24LC16BH-I/P qualified for automotive applications?

Yes-the 24LC16BH-I/P is AEC-Q100 qualified and specified for Industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and Extended (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges. Its design includes enhanced ESD protection (>4 kV HBM), robust I²C timing margins, and validated data retention, making it suitable for non-safety-critical automotive subsystems such as infotainment, lighting control, and comfort electronics.